SFA Block Transfers From Rangers

10 July 2012 11:00

Charles Green will not sign international transfer clearance until he gets some compensation

The SFA have blocked giving international clearance for Steve Davis, Kyle Lafferty, Jamie Ness, Steven Whittaker and Steven Naismith to play for their new clubs. There continues to be a disagreement between newco consortium leader Charles Green and the PFA over the regulations regarding transfer of employment under TUPE regulations. A number of Rangers players, following advice from their union, PFA Scotland, that they were free agents rejected the chance to transfer their contracts to the newco. Green sent letters to clubs across the UK warning them that the players who objected to the switch to Sevco were in breach of contract. However, Naismith has signed for Everton, Whittaker for Norwich and Ness has joined Stoke. Northern Irish pair, Davis and Lafferty, are at Southampton and Swiss side Sion respectively. Last week Coventry confirmed the signing of Fleck after reaching an agreement with Green. The SFA cannot agree the moves until all parties involved have signed the international transfer clearance (ITC). But the association to which the players are affiliated can request temporary registration from FIFA to allow the player to play during the period of arbitration. PFA Scotland solicitor, Margaret Gribbon, of Bridge Litigation, said: "It is no surprise. There are objections from Rangers plc and the newco. We knew it was going to happen. They were always going to do that and there is a process that now has to be followed. We are representing seven players - Steve Davis, Allan McGregor, Rhys McCabe, Sone Aluko, Jamie Ness, Kyle Lafferty and John Fleck. At the moment we are assisting two clubs to get clearance from FIFA and our application is being supported by a letters from the English FA and PFA Scotland." A FIFA spokesperson said: "At the time of writing, FIFA does not appear to have been approached by any association with respect to the international clearance of any particular player currently registered with Rangers FC."